Compelling fluff

2000’s still had ambitious and exciting commercial projects.

I just watched this for the first time and was, for most part, impressed.

The pacing was electric and, where most films have my eyes rolling because I’ve seen it all before, this kept me guessing and drew me in.

A film like Identity (2003) did it better, both films have a similar feel as they play along, but Identity wrapped things up in a satisfying way, Butt Effect was dumber and less sure of itself. This is confirmed by how the filmmakers shot 4 endings. Good storytellers know their ending and write backwards.

It’s also tonally awkward. For what is ultimately a silly B-movie thrill ride it shoves a lot of darkness in your face like paedos, naked kids, suicide, infanticide, dog-burning, dismemberment, mental illness, prison rape etc.

Still, it’s lightyears better than any commercial cinema being made today. A good concept executed in a very entertaining way. Also reminded me of Frailty (2001).